Maharashtra government has announced a probe into alleged irregularities and corruption in awarding parking lots under flyovers in the city despite the government policy contrary to it.

The state government has announced a probe into alleged irregularities and corruption in awarding parking lots under flyovers in the city despite the government policy contrary to it.

Principal secretary of environment, RA Rajeev, will conduct the probe, the government announced in the assembly on Wednesday.

The Opposition targeted public works department’s (PWD) public undertaking minister Jaidutt Kshirsagar for the alleged corruption and irregularities in awarding contracts for parking lots under flyovers in the city.

Leader of opposition Eknath Khadse said that in spite of the government’s decision to not allow parking under the city’s flyovers for security reasons, officers in Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) awarded contracts to twelve contractors.

Khadse questioned how government officers could openly defy policy decisions taken by the government.

“After the terrorist attack at Bodhgaya in Bihar a few weeks back, it has become very important to be careful about internal security of the city.

However, the state government has taken a very lenient approach towards security measures.

Action should be taken against the officers responsible, as they are involved in the corrupt practices,” Khadse said, adding that corruption by the officers has caused losses to the government, which would otherwise have earned thousands of crores against Rs248 crore, the contract amount.

Ganpatrao Deshmukh of the Peasants and Workers Party questioned the need for an inquiry committee.

Kshirsagar informed the house that his department has set up a committee headed by RA Rajeev to probe the decision to allot parking under flyovers.

He said the report, which is expected in two months, will be submitted to the Bombay high court, and action would be taken against those found guilty.

Assembly speaker Dilip Walse-Patil slammed the government, saying, “How can officers award contracts despite the government decision of not allowing parking under flyovers.The government decision of appointing a panel to investigate this decision also is questionable. The government should come clear on its stand by tomorrow.”